Virginia House Bill HB420

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/24
• Refer: 1/8/24
• Report Pass: 2/7/24
• Engrossed: 2/12/24
• Refer: 2/14/24
• Report Pass: 2/27/24

Caption

Federal park operations; temporary funding.

Impact

The bill amends the Code of Virginia to authorize the Governor to use various funding sources to maintain park operations, which include the State Park Conservation Resources Fund and voluntary donations. However, it also stipulates that no general fund money can be used for more than 21 days without the General Assembly's approval, ensuring legislative oversight and a temporary nature to the usage of state funds. This measure reflects a proactive approach to preserving state parks' accessibility and vitality during federal funding crises.

Summary

House Bill 420, titled 'Temporary funding of federal park operations in Virginia,' establishes provisions for the state to temporarily fund federal park operations in cases of funding reduction by the U.S. government. This bill aims to ensure that units of the National Park Service (NPS) in Virginia remain operational if funding from Congress is decreased, leading to potential park closures. Under the bill, the Governor is granted authority to allocate temporary funds for these operations while working with the U.S. Department of the Interior to execute necessary agreements for management of the park properties.

Contention

While the bill appears beneficial in maintaining access to important public resources, it may engender debates regarding the balance of power between state and federal authorities. Supporters argue that it is necessary to facilitate immediate responses to federal funding issues, while opponents might raise concerns about the implications of state intervention in federal park management. Additionally, the reliance on state funds could draw scrutiny regarding budget priorities, particularly if significant resources are diverted away from other state-funded programs.